Join us for District-based Lay Training opportunities throughout the Conference. We offer Basic and Advanced Courses, as well as ongoing training for Lay Leaders and Lay Servant Ministers in a variety of locations across the state.

Basic Courses

Basic courses include an introduction to the lay servant ministries in the areas of speaking, caring and leading, with an emphasis on preaching and worship preparation. Those completing this course will become Basic Lay Speakers.

Advanced Courses

Advanced Courses are for those who have successfully completed a Basic Course. Participants will obtain more training in the area of your strongest gift. You can take an Advanced Course as often as you wish.

Upon successful completion of an Advanced Course, you can be certified as a Lay Servant. This means that a pastor may call upon you to assist in one or more of the areas of leadership, caring ministry, or lay speaking in other congregations, as well as your own. To maintain certification as a Lay Servant, you must continue to be an active member of the United Methodist Church and take an Advanced Course at least once every three years.